OSAS EMMANUEL
NIGERIA: As Nigeria anticipates the inauguration of Justice Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN), a human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has said that the nation’s judiciary stands at a critical juncture, with an urgent need for transformative reforms.
In a statement signed by Adeyanju, he outlined a comprehensive agenda for the incoming CJN, highlighting the essential reforms needed to restore public confidence in the judiciary and ensure the effective administration of justice.
One of the most pressing issues facing the judiciary, according to Adeyanju, is the need for a systematic overhaul to address inefficiencies that have plagued the legal system for years.
He said that the current backlog of cases, delays in court proceedings, and complex procedural hurdles have significantly eroded public trust in the judiciary.
Adeyanju also underscored the pervasive issue of corruption within the judiciary, which he believes has severely undermined the integrity of the legal system.
“The role of the Chief Justice is crucial, not only in upholding the rule of law but also in spearheading reforms that enhance the efficiency, integrity, and accessibility of the judicial system.
“Your imminent leadership presents a unique opportunity to address longstanding issues, from case backlogs and judicial inefficiencies to concerns over transparency and corruption.
“By implementing targeted reforms and innovative initiatives, you have the potential to revitalize the judiciary, ensuring it meets the demands of modern justice and better serves the Nigerian public.
“One of the most pressing issues facing the judiciary today is the need for reform. The current system is fraught with inefficiencies that hinder the timely delivery of justice. Delays in court proceedings, case backlogs, and procedural complexities have eroded public confidence in the judiciary’s ability to dispense justice fairly and promptly.
“A thorough and systematic reform of the judiciary is essential. This would involve streamlining court processes, enhancing case management, and adopting practices that reduce delays and ensure that justice is both swift and accessible. Such reforms are crucial for reinforcing the rule of law and restoring the faith of Nigerians in their legal system.
“Another critical issue that must be addressed is the pervasive corruption within the judiciary. Corruption not only undermines the integrity of the legal system but also perpetuates injustice and inequality.
“It is imperative, my Lord, that you take a firm and unequivocal stand against corruption in all its forms. This requires the implementation of strict anti-corruption measures, ensuring transparency in judicial appointments, and establishing robust accountability mechanisms.
“Judges and court officials must be held to the highest ethical standards, with any breaches of these standards met with swift and decisive action. Eradicating corruption within the judiciary is not just a matter of policy but a moral imperative that will determine the credibility and legitimacy of the entire legal system.”
In the digital age, Adeyanju highlighted the necessity of embracing technology to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the judiciary.
“The digitalization of the justice system is not just an option but a necessity,” he argued, calling for the adoption of e-filing systems, virtual court proceedings, and the digitization of records management.
Such measures, Adeyanju noted, would not only reduce delays but also make the legal process more accessible to Nigerians, regardless of their location, and allow for greater public scrutiny and accountability.
Access to justice, according to Adeyanju, must also be addressed from a financial perspective.
He pointed out that the high costs associated with filing fees in Nigeria often serve as a significant barrier, deterring many citizens from seeking legal redress.
“A review and reduction of these fees are necessary to make the legal system more equitable and accessible,” Adeyanju suggested.
He said that by lowering these financial barriers, he believes the judiciary can ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of their economic status, have the opportunity to seek justice.
Another critical area of reform, as identified by Adeyanju, is the centralization of appeals to the Supreme Court, which has contributed to significant delays in the judicial process.
He proposed the establishment of regional Supreme Courts as a solution, arguing that this would ensure more efficient processing of appeals.
Adeyanju urged the incoming CJN to prioritize this reform by collaborating with the National Assembly to initiate necessary constitutional changes.
Adeyanju’s agenda for the incoming CJN also includes a call for the judiciary to modernize its operations and align with global best practices.
He emphasized that these reforms are not just about improving the judiciary’s efficiency but are crucial for reinforcing the rule of law and restoring the faith of Nigerians in their legal system.
“These agendas offer a roadmap for meaningful change,” Adeyanju stated, expressing confidence that Justice Ekun’s leadership could redefine the Nigerian judiciary, reiterating the significance of the incoming CJN’s role in driving these reforms.
“The challenges are significant, but so too are the opportunities for transformative leadership,” he noted, encouraging Justice Ekun to take decisive action in addressing the issues that have long plagued the judiciary. Adeyanju expressed hope that with a committed approach to these reforms, the new CJN would set new standards of excellence, integrity, and fairness in the Nigerian judiciary.
